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Article Type

Original Study

Abstract

Objective The aim of this study was to assess safety measures in hemodialysis (HD) units in Dakhlia governorate. Background Healthcare-associated infections lead to death, disability, and excess medical costs. Infection is considered the second cause of death in patients with end-stage renal disease after cardiovascular disease, and septicemia accounts for more than 75% of these infection-related deaths. Annual death rates due to pneumonia and sepsis are markedly higher in dialysis patients compared with the general population. Patient and methods We obtained this questionnaire from the Ministry of Health and Population. It was designed to assess infection control measures in HD units, which is one of the most important areas of safety risk in dialysis facilities. A survey was performed on 18 units in Dakhlia governorate. The questionnaire is divided into sections as follows: general information about the unit, cleanliness of the place, hand washing, personal protection, methods for preventing pollution, dealing with furniture and sheets, environment cleansing, dealing with waste products, occupational health, isolation, and records. Results In our study we found (generally) that most of the dialysis units are in a large percent clean in general. The medical team does not commit enough to wash hands despite the availability of disinfectants. Moreover, there is no commitment with regard to the use of personal protective equipments. The studied units showed satisfactory percentage for all points as regards methods for preventing pollution, except commitment of the medical team to a septic nontouch technique. All studied units showed very good results in all items as regards environmental cleansing, but there was a clear error in separation between storage areas and the patient treatment area and in dealing with blood stains. We found that all studied units were ideal in dealing with furniture and sheets and recording data, but there were a lot of mistakes in dealing with waste products. Conclusion The results of this study indicate a significant correlation between the number of staff and implementation of infection control measures and decreasing mortality and morbidity in patients undergoing HD, as infection control is considered one of the most important aspects of safety that improves the quality of life of these patients.

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